'Hunger Games' to become mobile game
"The Hunger Games" is becoming a mobile game. Interactive entertainment company Kabam announced Friday that it agreed with film studio Lionsgate to make a title for play on smartphones or tablet computers based on the dystopian books and films.
San Francisco-based Kabam specializes in mobile games that are free-to-play, instead bringing in revenue through tactics such as digital ads or hawking virtual goods or abilities.
"Lionsgate has an unparalleled track record of developing and producing blockbuster movie franchises like 'The Hunger Games,'" Kabam chief operating officer Kent Wakeford said in a release.
"Partnering with Lionsgate, Kabam will build a mobile game that's as much fun to play as the movie is to watch."
Kabam's vision for the game included casting players in roles as District members out to build alliances and liberate themselves in the spirit of the story told in the books on which the film is based.
The story centers around a futuristic society which stages televised death matches among youth.
The first two "Hunger Games" films starring Jennifer Lawrence have taken in more than $1.5 billion at box offices worldwide, according to Kabam.
The next installment in the series is set for release in November.
"We are so pleased to be working with Kabam to give the fans an experience like they have never had before," said Lionsgate executive vice president of digital media Danielle DePalma.
"Being able to role-play with the mentors straight from the world of 'The Hunger Games' will let fans feel as if they are in the middle of the action."
The game will be developed in the Kabam studio in China that made a mobile game based on "The Hobbit."
© 2014 AFP
